Director behind double Leeds United transfer set to leave club mid-season as mutual exit reached

Portuguese sporting director Tiago Pinto will end his association with the Italian club after three years following the conclusion of this month's transfer window, a statement confirmed on Thursday.

Pinto has worked alongside head coach and fellow countryman Jose Mourinho in supplementing the team's squad over the past few seasons and helped the team clinch the inaugural UEFA Conference League title in 2023, whilst also reaching the UEFA Europa League Final the following season.

"AS Roma and Tiago Pinto can confirm their decision to mutually part company, effective from Saturday, February 3rd," the club's official statement read.

"AS Roma would like to express its gratitude to Tiago for the unwavering dedication and hard work done over three years and wishes him the best of luck for the future."

Pinto was responsible for the signings of Leeds duo Llorente and Kristensen during the most recent summer window, which saw both players arrive at Stadio Olimpico on season-long loans. Llorente had previously spent six months in Rome on an initial loan deal prior to Leeds' relegation from the Premier League.

Roma's American owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin commented on Pinto's exit saying: “His term of office will come to an end at the closing of this winter transfer window. The process of hiring a new sporting director is underway and we look forward to making an announcement in the coming weeks.”

On his own departure, Pinto said: “After three years, I believe that my cycle in Rome has come to an end, and, as my departure approaches, I would like to thank all those who made my stay at the club and in this city so special."

The Italian side are currently seventh in Serie A and will face city rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-final next week. Kristensen and Llorente are both likely to feature prominently for their loan club during the remainder of the campaign, while the latter's temporary switch includes an obligation to buy clause, all but ending the Spaniard's time at Leeds.